If a deceased raptor is taxidermied, what happens if the falconer’s license expires?

When a falconer’s license expires, any deceased raptor that has been taxidermied must be returned to the department. This regulation is in place to ensure that all raptors, regardless of their status as taxidermied specimens, are accounted for and managed in compliance with wildlife conservation laws. This allows the state to maintain control over wildlife resources and ensures that individuals do not retain raptors without the necessary permits.

Other scenarios, like keeping the taxidermied raptor indefinitely, donating it to a museum, or transferring it to another falconer, would not comply with wildlife regulations that require proper licensing and oversight. Therefore, the requirement to return the specimen to the department serves to uphold the legal and ethical management of raptors within California's wildlife framework.